West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed news that nearly 500 companies now offer apprenticeships in her constituency. Latest statistics confirm that 440 companies have taken on at least one apprentice to help offer local people both on-the-job training and a foothold in a career. Across the county 2,770 companies have started a scheme – up more than a third since 2010. Harriett commented: “Apprenticeships are at the heart of our long-term economic plan and they offer a great opportunity for young people to get training and also a meaningful job. “Our core businesses in West Worcestershire used to depend on apprentices to fill their workforce – learning traditional skills like engineering. “Now local companies are offering other skills as well – such as cyber security training and developing a whole new business sector trading with the world. “If every business in my constituency were to take on just one apprentice, we would immediately reach full employment, which would be a huge achievement. “I urge as many companies as possible to take advantage of the generous funding packages offer by the Government and look at taking on an apprentice as soon as possible.”